MEET OUR K-9 TEAM members - 🐾denotes certification

 Bellum is currently undergoing training for trailing with her handler, Rick. Together, they are working to refine their skills in following the path of a missing person, using Bellum's incredible scent detection abilities. This training is vital in preparing them for real-world search and rescue missions, where they will help locate individuals by tracking their scent, even on trails that are hours or days old. Bellum and Rick are dedicated to ensuring they can provide the most effective assistance in any search operation. 

Brida is currently in training for Human Remains Detection (HRD) with her handler, Rick. Previously, Brida trained for live find area search, which provided her with a solid foundation in locating missing individuals across large areas. Her transition to HRD training further enhances her capabilities, preparing her to assist in locating human remains in a variety of environments. With Rick’s guidance, Brida is developing the specialized skills needed to support search and recovery operations, offering critical assistance in bringing closure to families.

Cat is a flanker who provides support to the team during search operations. This year, she plans to train her dog, Indigo, for live find, focusing on locating missing individuals in expansive areas. As a flanker, Cat's role is crucial in assisting the primary search teams by ensuring no area is overlooked. With her training Indigo for live find, Cat will further enhance the team's capabilities, making them an even stronger asset in search and rescue missions.

Catherine is a dedicated support member of SARTEC K-9, playing a vital role both behind the scenes and in the field. She actively participates in administrative tasks, ensuring the smooth operation of the unit, while also providing hands-on support during search and rescue missions. Catherine's versatility and commitment are invaluable to the team, as she helps coordinate resources, manage logistics, and assist in field operations, ensuring SARTEC K-9 can respond quickly and effectively when needed.

Jinx is currently training for Human Remains Detection (HRD) with her handler, Doreen. In this specialized training, Jinx is learning to detect human remains in a variety of environments. This crucial skill prepares Jinx and Doreen to assist in search and recovery missions, providing law enforcement with the resources needed to locate human remains and bring closure to families. Their dedication to mastering HRD techniques ensures they are ready to support critical operations with professionalism and expertise. 

Erin is a new member of SARTEC K-9 and is currently training her dog, Cooper, for live find. Together, they are working to develop Cooper’s skills in locating missing individuals in large search areas, with a focus on finding live persons. Erin’s commitment to training Cooper highlights her dedication to becoming an essential part of the SARTEC team, ensuring they can assist in critical search and rescue missions when needed.

Finch is currently in training for live find area search with his handler, Heather. Together, they are working on honing the skills needed to search expansive areas and locate missing individuals, focusing on finding live persons. This training is critical for preparing Finch to effectively assist in search and rescue missions where time is of the essence. Finch and Heather are dedicated to developing the expertise necessary to support search operations and bring individuals home safely.

 🐾 Sierra is certified in live find area search with her handler, Frank, and was previously certified in trailing. This dual training has made her an exceptional team member, as she is capable of handling a variety of search scenarios. Whether tracking a missing person through scent in the air or following a specific trail, Sierra’s versatility and skills enhance the SARTEC K-9 team's ability to respond effectively in diverse search and rescue missions. Her dual expertise is a valuable asset in locating individuals and providing critical support during challenging operations. 

Karen is actively training her dog, Eliza, for Human Remains Detection (HRD). As a dedicated member of the SAR community, Karen plays an important role in search and rescue efforts, working to enhance Eliza's skills in locating human remains in a variety of environments as well as performing various administrative tasks. Her commitment to training and her involvement in the SAR community demonstrate her passion for serving others and contributing to critical search and recovery missions when needed.

Lilo was certified in area search with her handler, Lindsay, and they are planning to recertify this spring. Their commitment to maintaining certification ensures that they continue to provide effective support in locating missing individuals during search and rescue operations. The upcoming recertification demonstrates their dedication to staying prepared and maintaining the high standards required to assist in critical search missions. Lilo and Lindsay’s teamwork remains a valuable asset to SARTEC K-9.

 Mina is currently in training to become a live find area search dog with her handler, Tiffany. As part of their training, Mina is learning how to search large areas and locate missing persons, with a focus on finding live individuals. This essential training will prepare Mina and Tiffany to respond effectively to search and rescue missions, providing crucial assistance in locating those who are lost or in distress. Together, they are dedicated to mastering the skills needed to make a positive impact in the field.

Moxie is currently training to become a trailing K9 with her handler, Danielle. In this specialized training, Moxie is learning to track the specific path a missing person has taken by following their scent trail. This skill is essential for locating individuals who have been missing for hours or even days. Moxie and Danielle are committed to perfecting their teamwork, ensuring they are ready to assist in search and rescue missions with precision and efficiency.

Naika is currently training to become a trailing K9 with her handler, Jessie. Together, they are working on refining Naika's ability to track the specific path of a missing person, using scent to determine their direction of travel. This vital skill allows them to assist in locating individuals, even when the trail is hours or days old. Naika and Jessie are dedicated to ensuring they are well-prepared to provide effective support in search and rescue operations.

  🐾  Nika is certified in live find area search with her handler, Rick. Together, they are a highly trained team, skilled in searching large areas to locate missing individuals, with a focus on finding live persons. This certification highlights their ability to respond efficiently and effectively during search and rescue operations, providing critical assistance when time is of the essence. Nika and Rick are committed to helping bring individuals home safely, utilizing their expertise in live find search scenarios.

  🐾  Riley is certified in live find area search with her handler, Jessie. As a certified team, they are trained to search expansive areas and locate missing individuals, focusing on finding live persons. This certification ensures that Riley and Jessie are prepared to assist in search and rescue missions, providing critical support in locating those in need. Their dedication and skills make them a vital resource in any search operation, committed to bringing people home safely.

  🐾 Scout has two certified handlers, Chris and Doreen, for Human Remains Detection (HRD). With their combined expertise, Scout has been trained to detect human remains in a variety of environments. The dual-handling approach ensures Scout receives well-rounded training, allowing the team to be versatile and effective in different search and recovery operations. Chris and Doreen, together with Scout, are committed to providing critical assistance in bringing closure to families and supporting law enforcement in HRD missions.

Sequoia was previously certified in trailing and is now in training for Human Remains Detection (HRD) with her handler, Bryce. This transition allows Sequoia to expand her skill set, preparing her to assist in locating human remains in various environments. Her previous experience in trailing, combined with the specialized HRD training, makes Sequoia a versatile and valuable asset in search and recovery missions. Bryce and Sequoia are dedicated to developing the expertise necessary to support law enforcement and bring closure to families in need.

Shiloh was certified in live find area search and is currently awaiting recertification with his handler, Bryce. As a certified team, Shiloh and Bryce have demonstrated their ability to effectively search large areas to locate missing individuals, with a focus on finding live persons. Their dedication to maintaining certification ensures they are always prepared to provide valuable support during search and rescue operations. Once recertified, Shiloh and Bryce will continue to serve as a reliable and skilled team in the field.

Jetta is currently in training for Human Remains Detection (HRD) with her handler, Vicki. In this specialized training, Jetta is learning to locate human remains in a variety of environments. This training is vital for preparing them to assist in complex search and recovery missions, where their skills can provide critical support to law enforcement and help bring closure to families. Jetta and Vicki are committed to developing the expertise necessary to effectively serve in these important, sensitive operations.

Viper is currently training for scent specific area search with her handler, Chris. In this specialized training, Viper is learning to focus on specific scents within a designated area, improving her ability to locate missing persons by identifying distinct scent patterns. This training is essential for preparing Viper and Chris to respond efficiently in search and rescue operations, ensuring they can provide effective support when time is critical. Together, Viper and Chris are committed to mastering the skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the field.